I'm actually a little mixed on my opinion on this game. So many great systems interwoven so perfectly. Lots to do, none of it too overwhelming because the game doesn't clutter you up with information everytime you open the map. It has the same core loop as BotW but with extra tools at your disposal.
The environment has 3 layers to it with multiple ways to traverse, solve, and even cheese the mechanics. Sequence breaking is everywhere even without the sheikah abilities from BotW.
It fixed a ton of the gameplay incentive issues BotW had. You create weapons and tools on the fly with objects in the world. Weapons break a lot quicker, so there is constantly an incentive to keep farming materials and building new and stronger weapons. That sort of gives fighting enemies a point, since enemies also drop materials you can trade for currency, or upgrades. Enemies also drop the most durable tools. So overall, biggest nitpick gone.
One of the other big issues I had with BotW is there wasn't anything to look for besides shrines. This game is absolutely bursting with quests and side adventures that have decent rewards. Hidden chests with new armor and cool weapons, Caves with rare materials in them, Wells that seem rich in resources, and a whole new suite of collectibles. Another nitpick gone.
TotK isn't without its issues with the new systems tho. The amount of menus you have to juggle creates a lot of misinputs and you could end up blowing your self up or using the incorrect item in a lot of combat situations. Fusing isn't tied to a menu option and you can only do it during gameplay. So you need to drop the item you want to fuse to your weapon before you can fuse it.
Dungeons are most interesting to look at, but they are mostly just segregated areas with their own puzzle and it doesn't really all intertwine. Bosses are MUCH better but still have a rinse repeat the solution you already figured out 30 seconds into the fight all Zelda games have. Some bosses do have so skill spots where you can get extra hits in.
Story is fine. There are a few good narrative hits, but a lot of it is pretty flat and kinda par for what Nintendo has been putting out lately. It seems more grandiose and world-build-y then it actually is. Starts off super promising too, which is a bummer.
In the end, I enjoyed my time with the game. And I can look at it objectively as a mastery of game design and technology. Like I am in awe with all they were able to do on the Switch. And everything works so well and there isn't a hint of jank to it. It works flawlessly.
There is so much to talk about, but let me finish with my opinion on it. I think the game is good, but not fantastic. I think it is an attribute of the slower pace it brings, which is fine. I wasn't blown away but more like every few hours just being "Oh wow it's cool they were able to make that and it works". It is a neat game. Perfectly executed, clear vision. Story a bit mid but a superb gameplay concept. I love this game for achieving exactly what it wanted to do. A massive open world, multiple options that don't overshadow each other or feel like something was left out. It's just...gosh what a perfect achievement of game development. I was satisfied, merely content with it. But with all that was behind it I did expect a little bit more. I just think it didn't mesh with the vision it tried to create. I can't complain though. It is exactly what it is supposed to be, and that should be all that it needs to be.
The environment has 3 layers to it with multiple ways to traverse, solve, and even cheese the mechanics. Sequence breaking is everywhere even without the sheikah abilities from BotW.
It fixed a ton of the gameplay incentive issues BotW had. You create weapons and tools on the fly with objects in the world. Weapons break a lot quicker, so there is constantly an incentive to keep farming materials and building new and stronger weapons. That sort of gives fighting enemies a point, since enemies also drop materials you can trade for currency, or upgrades. Enemies also drop the most durable tools. So overall, biggest nitpick gone.
One of the other big issues I had with BotW is there wasn't anything to look for besides shrines. This game is absolutely bursting with quests and side adventures that have decent rewards. Hidden chests with new armor and cool weapons, Caves with rare materials in them, Wells that seem rich in resources, and a whole new suite of collectibles. Another nitpick gone.
TotK isn't without its issues with the new systems tho. The amount of menus you have to juggle creates a lot of misinputs and you could end up blowing your self up or using the incorrect item in a lot of combat situations. Fusing isn't tied to a menu option and you can only do it during gameplay. So you need to drop the item you want to fuse to your weapon before you can fuse it.
Dungeons are most interesting to look at, but they are mostly just segregated areas with their own puzzle and it doesn't really all intertwine. Bosses are MUCH better but still have a rinse repeat the solution you already figured out 30 seconds into the fight all Zelda games have. Some bosses do have so skill spots where you can get extra hits in.
Story is fine. There are a few good narrative hits, but a lot of it is pretty flat and kinda par for what Nintendo has been putting out lately. It seems more grandiose and world-build-y then it actually is. Starts off super promising too, which is a bummer.
In the end, I enjoyed my time with the game. And I can look at it objectively as a mastery of game design and technology. Like I am in awe with all they were able to do on the Switch. And everything works so well and there isn't a hint of jank to it. It works flawlessly.
There is so much to talk about, but let me finish with my opinion on it. I think the game is good, but not fantastic. I think it is an attribute of the slower pace it brings, which is fine. I wasn't blown away but more like every few hours just being "Oh wow it's cool they were able to make that and it works". It is a neat game. Perfectly executed, clear vision. Story a bit mid but a superb gameplay concept. I love this game for achieving exactly what it wanted to do. A massive open world, multiple options that don't overshadow each other or feel like something was left out. It's just...gosh what a perfect achievement of game development. I was satisfied, merely content with it. But with all that was behind it I did expect a little bit more. I just think it didn't mesh with the vision it tried to create. I can't complain though. It is exactly what it is supposed to be, and that should be all that it needs to be.